When I finally opened my eyes, I was met with the quiet stillness of the Void.
There was no concept of night or day here—only an endless expanse of colorless light and shadow, weaving together like some divine tapestry. Yet even without time, I must have slept for hours. My mind felt clear, and my body, though immortal, carried the rare sensation of rest.
Something soft and weightless stirred on my chest. Looking down, I found Shalltear resting against me, her pale face serene, her silvery hair glimmering faintly in the ethereal glow. She looked at peace—a rare sight for one so proud and predatory.
And next to her, half curled protectively around us both, was Albedo. Her black wings were spread gently over my body like a silken blanket, shielding us from the cold hum of the Void. One hand rested against my chest, the other lightly brushing Shalltear's shoulder.
Both wore faint smiles—content, quiet, and deeply human.
For a moment, I simply watched them. The two guardians of Nazarick, embodiments of elegance and destruction, now looked fragile… almost innocent.
"They look beautiful, don't they?" I murmured to myself, the words slipping out without thought.
In that fragile silence, I just looked at them.
A soft sound broke my thoughts. Shalltear stirred first, her crimson eyes fluttering open like twin rubies catching the first light. Then Albedo followed, her dark lashes parting as her golden irises fixed on me with warmth that could melt the Void itself.
"Good morning, Alastor-sama," Albedo greeted, her voice smooth and unhurried. She leaned closer, brushing a light kiss across my cheek—a gesture both reverent and tender.
Her composure was perfect, yet I could sense something different. Her emotions felt deeper now—more genuine. Yesterday's turmoil and confusion had hardened into certainty, as if her devotion had crystallized into something beyond reason.
Shalltear stretched elegantly, her movements precise and feline. "Good morning, my lord," she said with a faint, knowing smile. "You seem well-rested."
"I could say the same for you," I replied, a hint of amusement touching my voice. "You both seem… unusually peaceful."
The vampire chuckled softly. "Perhaps it's because I had a dream, my lord. One where all was calm, and Nazarick stood untouched beneath your gaze."
"A comforting dream," I said, brushing a stray strand of her silver hair aside. "Maybe one worth remembering."
Her expression softened for a moment. Then she looked away, murmuring, "Indeed, my lord."
Albedo, still resting beside me, finally folded her wings and sat upright. "You rarely rest, Alastor-sama. To see you sleep so soundly… it eases something within us."
Her tone carried more than just respect—it carried affection, almost protectiveness. That tone alone could still a battlefield.
I smiled faintly. "Even a being like me needs rest now and then. Dreams are useful, after all."
"Dreams?" Shalltear echoed curiously.
"Yes," I replied, glancing into the endless pale horizon. "Dreams are the one place where imagination reigns over control. It reminds us why we built what we built."
Neither of them responded immediately. Their gazes softened, as if those words resonated somewhere deep.
After a few quiet moments, I rose slowly, careful not to disturb them too much. The fabric of reality rippled faintly at the motion—small distortions of power that shimmered before fading.
"Albedo, Shalltear," I said quietly. "There's something I must discuss with you both."
They immediately straightened, all traces of softness vanishing in an instant as they assumed the poise of true Guardians.
"I will soon be traveling," I began, letting the words hang for a moment. "Beyond Nazarick. Beyond this realm itself."
Both of their eyes widened at once.
"Traveling?" Shalltear repeated, her tone confused. "To where, my lord?"
"Another world," I replied. "Perhaps one unlike any we've known. I've been studying… something that allows such movement. A system that can connect countless realities."
Albedo's gaze sharpened. "You mean to leave Nazarick, Alastor-sama?"
"For a time," I said calmly. "Not permanently. Think of it as exploration—a test of the multiverse itself."
Albedo's hands clenched against her knees, and for a moment, emotion flickered across her face. "If this is your will, then so be it. But… forgive me, my lord, may I ask why?"
"Because knowledge lies beyond comfort," I said simply. "The world is infinite, Albedo. Power means little without understanding what lies outside its reach."
Now I am just saying bullshit.
Shalltear frowned slightly, her crimson eyes glinting. "Do you wish for us to accompany you?"
I shook my head. "Not yet. I'll go alone this time."
Her brows furrowed, and Albedo's wings twitched slightly.
I know what they are going to say.
~~~
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